FAQ

What is the GEOINT Symposium?

Produced by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), the annual GEOINT Symposium is the nation’s largest geospatial intelligence event of the year and preeminent conference for the Defense, Intelligence and Homeland Security communities as well as the commercial, Fed/Civ, State and Local GEOINT stakeholders..

In addition to insightful keynote addresses and though-provoking panels with leaders from the Defense, Intelligence and Homeland Security communities, the GEOINT Symposium provides attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to network throughout the week. Plus, an expansive exhibit hall provides more than 100,000 square feet of technologies, solutions, and services from more than 250 organizations.

The GEOINT Symposium offers wealth of quality information, cutting-edge technologies, and top-notch activities that keep attendees coming back year after year.

No, GEOINT Foreword and the entire GEOINT Symposium is held at the unclassified level.

General sessions, breakouts, and the exhibit hall are all unclassified, media is in attendance, and sessions are video recorded for viewing on the web after the Symposium.

What is the dress code for GEOINT 2016?

Speakers should wear business suit or military equivalent.

Attendees and exhibitors are in business casual attire throughout general sessions, trainings, exhibit hall, and exhibit hall receptions. Military officers and enlisted personnel are recommended to wear their duty uniform of the day.

Networking events including the opening and closing receptions are casual.

These hours are subject to change. Attendees and Exhibitors are encouraged to check the agenda or the exhibitor service manual:

Day

Hall Hours

Exhibit Hall Reception

Monday, May 16

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

4-5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

2-3 p.m.

Lunch will be available daily at 12 p.m. for exhibitors and 12:30 p.m. for attendees.

What is the cost to attend?

USGIF has provided a variety of options for those coming to the GEOINT 2016 Symposium. All of the pricing options are available on the registration page as well as provided during the registration sign-up process.

Please Note: The Sunday, May 15, “GEOINT Foreword” pre-symposium sessions are NOT included with symposium registration. Admission to “GEOINT Foreword” can be added to any registration for an additional cost.

What is the "GEOINT Foreword" pre-symposium session?

The pre-symposium GEOINT Foreword is a day of science and technology related presentations and discussions. An additional registration fee is required to attend.

Those interested in innovation, tradecraft, and new business opportunities are encouraged to attend, and many of our general attendees and exhibit personnel find GEOINT Foreword speakers, presentations, and panel discussions of great interest and benefit.

What is included in a One-Day Expo Only Pass?

Only those activities taking place in the Exhibit Hall on the day for which your badge was purchased.

There is a limit of one, One-Day Expo Only Pass per attendee.

What is the Spouse/Guest Pass?

As a special offer, USGIF offers GEOINT Symposium attendees and exhibitors the option to bring a spouse or guest for a reduced cost compared to full-symposium registrations.

Spouse/Guest passes are available for purchase during attendee and exhibitor registration. They are limited to one pass per full symposium or exhibitor registration. Each Spouse/Guest pass includes admission to the networking receptions.

Are hotel charges included in registration costs?

No, hotel charges are NOT included in registration costs.

USGIF has reserved most of the rooms at the Gaylord Palms as well as a small block of rooms at the nearby, all-suites Caribe Royale.

Rooms will be available for reservations during online registration.

How can I pay my registration fee?

Registration fees may be paid by any of the following:

Credit Card

Check (U.S. Dollars)

Signed Company Purchase Order

Government Voucher

Wire/Bank Transfer

No registration will be confirmed unless accompanied by full payment, signed company purchase order or government voucher. Registrations with fees paid by wire/bank transfer will not be confirmed until USGIF has received bank confirmation that the transfer has been received.

How can I contact the registration help desk?

Questions regarding GEOINT Symposium registration or hotels can be answered Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 pm Eastern Time at any of the following contacts:

No solicitation of any kind is allowed at the GEOINT Symposium. By registering to attend or exhibit, you acknowledge this policy and agree that you will not advertise, represent, or distribute literature for products or services to our exhibitors, attendees or staff.

Any attendee that violates this policy will forfeit his or her registration credentials.

Is Internet access available at the Symposium?

Yes, WiFi will be available in the exhibit hall.

What is the official language of the Symposium?

English is the official language of the GEOINT Symposium. USGIF is unable to provide translation services for conference attendees.

If I live outside the U.S., do I need a Visa to attend GEOINT 2016?

U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

If your country is a participant of the Visa Waiver Program, there is no need for an official letter of invitation. To verify your country’s participation, please check the State Department’s website.

U.S. Department of State Visa Assistance

The State Department has helpful assistance and instructions for those requiring a visa to travel to the Symposium.

GEOINT Symposium Invitation Letter for Visas

USGIF can provide an official letter of invitation to attend the GEOINT 2015 Symposium. In order to facilitate visa requests for entry into the United States for foreign nationals, please contact us at visa@usgif.org with the following information provided:

Due to liability and insurance restrictions no one under the age of 18, including infants and toddlers, is permitted to attend the GEOINT Symposium event or enter the exhibit hall.

Is GEOINT Symposium Tax Deductible?

If the purpose of attending GEOINT 2016 is to help you maintain or improve skills relating to employment or business, a portion of your conference expenses may be tax deductible according to IRS Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Reg. 1.162-5. The eligible deduction for this amount is generally limited. Please consult your tax adviser. You cannot deduct the cost of meals from your registration fee.